Happy Disability Pride Month!
In July, we celebrate the history and culture of people with disabilities, including the passage of the Americans With Disabilities Act July 26, 1990, and the unique strengths and achievements that have come from this community.
Here’s what we’re celebrating this month in the DMV:
For our Montgomery County families, Maryland’s chapter of The Arc is celebrating an important milestone:
The Arc Maryland 65th Anniversary: Looking back on decades of change, including inclusive education and access to general curriculum in public schools in the 2000s and virtual support, advocacy and connection amid COVID-19 from 2020 to today:
“Now more than ever, this is a moment to reflect on our legacy and recommit to the work that lies ahead to ensure full inclusion and equity for all,” says Ande Kolp, executive director of The Arc Maryland, in a 2025 news release. “Particularly in a year when we had to fight so hard for the funding to support our work, it is so important to celebrate milestones and to be reminded of why the work we do is so important to so many.”
The Arc national organization shared more information about Disability Pride Month in its “Why and How to Celebrate Disability Pride Month” blog post in May, including where to celebrate in various states. Stay tuned on dclibrary.org for 2025 updates on Disability Pride programming.
At D.C.’s National Portrait Gallery, stop by the G Street lobby from noon to 1 p.m. July 19 and July 31 for Portrait Signs, a Deaf-led tour in American Sign Language (ASL) of portraiture, history and biography, free with registration. Even if you do not have a family member who uses ASL, it’s a good opportunity to go over some signs with your child before the tour and familiarize them with another way of communicating.
Also at the gallery this July, explore more programming for families:
Teen Futures Week, Session II
A four-day camp for teens to creatively envision their futures in 2025 and beyond through art, interactive activities, discussions and connecting with peers who have similar interests; free and open to rising juniors and seniors with registration; 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. July 21-24
Portrait Gallery Kids
Art viewing, hands-on activities, music and story time with educators every Monday from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and a special story time from DC Public Library the second Monday of the month; free with no registration required
Portrait Gallery Reading Rhythms
Bring any book you want and read silently, breaking for one-on-one and group discussions about books and art; adult program free with registration from 5:15 p.m. to 7 p.m. July 24
Special Olympics DC is offering a free, five-week summer camp for children with intellectual disabilities focused on sport development, youth leadership and wellness, with limited spots for local youth ages 8 to 13. The first week of camp began this week (from June 30 through July 4) and continues through Aug. 1. Find more information on specialolympicsdc.org.
